Remote Apparatus for Displaying, Monitoring and Controlling Shower, Bath or Faucet Water Parameters

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a remote display that communicated with a water parameter sensors engage to or in close proximity to a water supply piping or incorporated within a shower, or bath or faucet head, in an aesthetically pleasing format. The remote water parameter sensors includes power source, microprocessor and/or microcontroller, temperature sensor and/or water flow sensors, timing circuits. The remote display apparatus can communicated with the water parameter sensors by wired or means. The remote display apparatus can be a substantially round housing encircled with an interface ring having a centrally located display, or can be a square, rectangle, circle or other configuration touch-screen display mounted on a housing that has soft button for menu derived operations. Both embodiments have a back portion designed to adhere to various surfaces.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application Ser. No. 11/877,860 filedon Oct. 24, 2007, Ser. No. 12/539,150 filed on Aug. 11, 2009, Ser. No.12/986,341 filed on Jan. 7, 2010, Ser. No. 12/877,094 filed on Sep. 7,2010, and Ser. No. 14/693,394 files on Apr. 22, 2015.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This patent specification relates to systems, methods, and relatedcomputer program products for the monitoring and control of waterparameter systems or other water resource-consuming systems. Moreparticularly, this patent specification relates to user interfaces fordisplay and/or control units that govern the operation ofwater-consuming systems, household or commercial showers, toilets,faucets, and other water resource-consuming systems, including userinterfaces with the water parameter controller using wired or wirelesscommunication.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional shower head designs include those having a shower headhousing with a plurality of passageways allowing various water sprays toflow from the shower head. Furthermore, shower heads having a surfacewith a plurality of passageways, or nozzle orifices which utilize abacking disk having a plurality of resilient and flexible nozzle tipsprotruding through the nozzle orifices are known. The resilient nozzlesof these known shower heads allow for convenient elimination of thebuild-up of calcium or other deposits by manually flexing the resilientnozzles when it appears that material is collecting therein. In theseknown shower heads, the entire nozzle is formed of a resilient andflexible rubber which does not match the finish of, e.g., a brass orchrome shower head.

The use of adjustable shower heads is known in the prior art. Morespecifically, adjustable shower heads heretofore devised and utilizedare known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obviousstructural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designsencompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for thefulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.

Conventional faucets are available in various designs for kitchens,bathrooms, baths, corporate faucets and water systems. The faucets canbe a rigid or flexible design and generally is fitted with an aerator atthe terminal water discharge port.

Water conservation is becoming a major issue for many cities and aapparatus for monitoring water usage at a specific residential,governmental or corporate sites could be useful in supporting waterconservation.

One type of an adjustable shower head or faucet includes water supplypiping assemblies that are conventionally constituted by a hose whichmay be in the form of a flexible tube protected by metal coils or in theform of a plastic hose optionally including braiding. In either case,the hose is generally linear in shape and has a length lying in therange 1.25 meters (m) to 2 m. When not in use, the hose hangs down intoa bath tub or other bathroom fitting where it is often dirtied bycontact with dirty water.

Sometimes the hose can be hidden away in a chute (requiring a hole to bemade), in which case it dirties a volume that is inaccessible forcleaning. The hole often leads to water seeping under the bath tub.Furthermore, these drawbacks (difficulty of storage and problems withdirt) make it undesirable to install a longer hose, even though a longerhose would often be convenient when the shower head is in use. As aresult of shower hoses not being long enough, they are often damaged bythe user pulling on them.

Anti-scalding pressure balance and thermostatic temperature controlvalves are becoming an important part in bathroom plumbing because theattempt to minimize scalding and cold water shocks that can occur in ashower when a toilet is flushed or a faucet is turned on.

Accordingly, a need remains for an adjustable shower or bath head orwater supply piping with displays either with analog or digital meanscertain parameters, such as time on, flow rate, total volume, andtemperature, in order to overcome or supplement the above-notedshortcomings.

In additional, this is a need for an adjustable shower or bath head orwater supply piping monitors water usage to encourage water savings andpromote careful conscientious use of water and energy resources. In theshower or faucet embodiment, the present invention satisfies such a needby providing a remote display and controlling apparatus that isconvenient and easy to use, provides adequate reach and adjustingcapabilities for various applications, and is attractive in appearance.

Controllers are used on a wide variety of devices and systems forcontrolling various functions in homes and/or buildings and theirrelated grounds. Some controllers have schedule programming thatmodifies device parameter set points as a function of date and/or time.Water parameter controllers, for example, are employed to monitor and,if necessary, control various conditions within a home, office, orbuilding. Such devices are useful, for example, in regulating any numberof water sources including for example, temperature, flow rate,cumulative time water is on, calibration methods, programming features,etc. The remotely located water parameter display and controllingapparatus may include a microprocessor that interacts with othercomponents in the system and wired or wireless technology. The remotewater parameter display and control apparatus is designed to remotelycommunication with temperature sensors, water flow sensors, and timingcircuits that are in close proximity to a water supply. For example, asensor located remotely from the controller unit and/or at one or moreremote locations may be employed to sense when the temperature reaches acertain threshold level, displays cumulative time and flow parameters,causing the controller unit to send a signal to activate or deactivateone or more component in the system.

The remote water parameter display and control apparatus may be equippedwith an interface that allows the user to program and adjust the waterparameter sensors at one or more locations within the building. Withmore modem designs, the interface typically includes a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD, LED, OLED) panel inset within a housing that contains themicroprocessor as well as other components of the controller. In somedesigns, the interface may permit the user to program the controller tomodify certain functions or display, or activate on a certain scheduledetermined by the user. For example, the interface may include aseparate menu routine that permits the user to control the time a watersource is on or allow access at one or more times during a particularday. Once the settings for that day have been programmed, the user canthen repeat the process to change the settings for the other remainingdays.

The remote water parameter display and control apparatus may have one ormore push buttons located in close proximity to the controller orutilize soft buttons that are programmed to be utilized with a touchscreen display, or a rotating outer mechanism can be used to assistselected certain soft buttons to perform program instructions, changesettings, or input passwords. A microcontroller or the like typicallyreceives and interprets the signals from the push buttons, andimplements the desired function. It has been found, however, that someusers have difficulty controlling and/or programming their controllersusing such pushbuttons, particularly those users that are not familiarwith modem computers and/or computer interfaces. Programming or settingsactivators can be used to modify a shower on/off period, modifydisplayed parameters order or selection, color schemes, Bluetooth,Zigbee or WIFI settings, calibrate the temperature, water flow andtiming sensors, temperature over-set point, time+sent-point, flow rateset-point, detect broken sensors, define a hold out period, modify thedisplay of parameters, or input passwords.

The display means must be able to provide sufficient lighting in showerconditions. In addition, the display means must be able to sustaincapability in moist wet conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a remote water parameter display and controlapparatus with various attachment means for affixation to multiple typesof surfaces, e.g. glass, walls, or covered walls or joists and posts.The remote water parameter display and control apparatus is designed toremotely communication with temperature sensors, water flow sensors, andtiming circuits that are in close proximity to a water supply. Theremote water parameter display and control apparatus can include amicroprocessor and/or microcontroller, electrical circuitry with wiredor wireless technology. The remote water parameter display and controlapparatus comprises two embodiments a first with a substantiallycircular base have a central display means and an user interface ringsurrounding the central area and a second embodiment comprising atouch-screen display with soft buttons that can be shaped in multipleconfigurations. Both embodiments utilizes a series or menus and submenusthat access various programmable features that are accessed by the userinterface ring with central display or soft buttons. The remote waterparameter display and control apparatus can be an analog or digitaldisplay or combination of analog, graphic and/or digital display means.Ergonomically placed buttons can be incorporated into the remote waterparameter display and control apparatus housing, or a soft buttons canbe programmed to be utilized with a touch screen display, or a rotatingouter mechanism can be used to assist selected certain soft buttons toperform program instructions, change settings, or input passwords.Programming or settings activators can be used to modify a shower, bathor faucet on/off period, modify displayed parameters order or selection,color schemes, Bluetooth, WIFI settings, calibrate with the temperature,water flow and timing sensors, define a hold out period, modify thedisplay of parameters, or input passwords. The display means must beable to provide sufficient lighting in shower conditions. In addition,the display means must be able to sustain capability in moist wetconditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment comprising anadaptable remote display, monitor and/or control apparatus in asubstantially circular configuration and including housing thatcooperates with one or more microprocessors/microcontrollers,electrically circuitry, a display, a rotatable ring mechanism and a rearsurface attachment means designed to communicate by wired or wirelesstechnology to a remotely located water flow sensor, temperature sensorand timing circuit attached to or in close proximity to a water supply.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the second embodiment comprising anadaptable remote display, monitor and/or control apparatus with atouch-screen display in a round, square, rectangle or otherconfiguration utilizing LED, LCD, OMLED or other display technology andincluding a housing that cooperates with one or moremicroprocessors/microcontrollers, housing, rotatable ring mechanisms andrear surface attachment means designed to communicate by wired orwireless technology to a remotely located water flow sensor, temperaturesensor and timing circuit attached to or in close proximity to a watersupply.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and suchexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any manner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description should be read with reference to the drawings,in which like elements in different drawings are numbered in likefashion. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depictselected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention. Although examples of construction, dimensions, and materialsare illustrated for the various elements, those skilled in the art willrecognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternativesthat may be utilized.

As used herein, the term “remote water parameter display and controlapparatus” may include any parameter or setting useful whencommunicating through wire or wireless technology with water parametersensors in close proximity water supply. The parameter or settingsinclude, for example, modify a shower on/off period, modify displayedparameters order or selection, color schemes, Bluetooth, WIFI settings,calibrate with the temperature, water flow and timing sensors, define ahold out period, modify the display of parameters, or input passwordsand/or the like.

The subject matter of this patent specification relates to the subjectmatter of the following commonly assigned applications, each of which isincorporated by reference herein: Ser. No. 11/877,860 filed on Oct. 24,2007, Ser. No. 12/539,150 filed on Aug. 11, 2009, Ser. No. 12/986,341filed on Jan. 7, 2010, Ser. No. 12/877,094 filed on Sep. 7, 2010, Ser.No. 12/986,341 filed on Jan. 7, 2010, Ser. No. 13/216,521 filed on Aug.24, 2011, Ser. No. 13/217,497 filed on Aug. 24, 2011, Ser. No.13/491,201 filed on Jun. 6, 2012, Ser. No. 13/541,819 filed on Jul. 5,2012, Ser. No. 13/776,963 file on Feb. 26, 2013, Ser. No. 14/561,217filed on Dec. 5, 2014, Ser. No. 14/596,460 filed on Jan. 1, 2015 andSer. No. 14/693,394 files on Apr. 22, 2015. The above-referenced patentapplications are collectively referenced herein as “the commonlyassigned incorporated applications.”

Provided according to one or more embodiments are systems, methods,computer program products, and related business methods for controllingone or more water conservation systems based on one or more adaptabledisplaying, monitoring and control units (RWPDNC units), each RWPDMCbeing configured and adapted to provide sophisticated, customized waterconservation display, monitoring and control functionality while at thesame time being visually appealing and intuitive to use.

In the first embodiment, the RWPDMC has display, monitoring and controlfunctionality and includes characteristics other than displaying andmonitoring time, temperature and water flow (e.g., passwords, language,alarms, acoustic loudness, display brightness, sensor calibration, etc.)for any of a variety of different water conservation systems. EachRWPDMC includes a user-interface component, such as a rotatable ring.Using the ring, a user can easily navigate through and select betweenselection menu driven options (e.g., to set an alarm or identifypreferences). For example, a user may rotate a ring (e.g., in aclockwise direction) to highlight a icon or soft command based onrotational input. The electronic display may dynamically display adigital numerical value representative of the identified parametervalues. Further, the user may be able to view and/or navigate through amenu system using the ring around the display. For example, a user input(e.g., inwards pressure on the ring) may result in a presentation of amenu system on the display. A user may rotate the ring to, e.g., scrollthrough selection options and select an option by pressing on the ring.Inwards pressure on the ring may cause a distinct sensory response(e.g., a clicking sound or feel that is used to confirm to the user thatthe selection has been made.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment comprising anadaptable remote display, monitor and/or control apparatus 10 in asubstantially circular configuration and including housing thatcooperates with one or more microprocessors/microcontrollers,electrically circuitry, a display, a rotatable ring mechanism and a rearsurface attachment means designed to communicate by wired or wirelesstechnology to a remotely located water flow sensor, temperature sensorand timing circuit attached to or in close proximity to a water supply.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the second embodiment comprising anadaptable remote display, monitor and/or control apparatus 30 with atouch-screen display in a round, square, rectangle or otherconfiguration utilizing LED, LCD, OMLED or other display technology andincluding a housing that cooperates with one or moremicroprocessors/microcontrollers, housing, rotatable ring mechanisms andrear surface attachment means designed to communicate by wired orwireless technology to a remotely located water flow sensor, temperaturesensor and timing circuit attached to or in close proximity to a watersupply.

The remote water parameter display, monitor and control (RWPDMC)apparatus 10, 30 also includes a housing designed to be mounted onvarious surfaces such as glass surface, a wall surface, a mirrorsurface, wood beam, a metal surface, a plastic surface, a ceramicsurface, a tile surface, a panel surface, a wall paper surface. Thehousing can be fabricated from a metallic material such as brass, brassalloys, steel, galvanized steel, copper, copper allows or anycombination thereof. The housing can be fabricated from a number ofpolymeric materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene,polybutylene, acryaontirile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), rubber modifiedstyrene, polypropylene, polyacetal, polyethylene, or nylon. The basematerial can be painted white or colored finishes or coated with variousbrass, silver and gold type materials to an appealing finish.

The RWPDMC apparatus 10, 30 may be advantageously provided with aselectively hierarchy functionality, such that limited use orunsophisticated users are only allowed access to a limited or simpleuser interface, but such that owners and advanced users can access andmanipulate many different water saving capabilities. For example, anadvanced user may be able to set a defined time-dependent showerduration or “hold out” period through interactions via the rotatablering and inward pressure, while a limited use or unsophisticated usermay limit such interactions to only set language or convert to metricsettings. Importantly, even for the case of unsophisticated users whoare only exposed to the simple user interface, the RWPDMC apparatus 10provides advanced water-saving functionality that runs in thebackground, the RWPDMC apparatus quietly using multi-sensor technologyto “learn” about the home's, companies' or institutions' water useenvironment and optimizing the water-saving settings accordingly.

The RWPDMC apparatus 10, 30 can also have the capability to “learn”about water use frequency, characteristics, and about the usersthemselves through user interactions with the device (e.g., via therotatable ring) and/or through automatic learning of the users'preferences. For example, in a congenial “setup interview”, a user mayrespond to a few simple questions (e.g., by rotating the rotatable ringto a position at which a desired response option is displayed).Multi-sensors contained within the housing or water supply sensorsmonitored by the RWPDMC apparatus 10, 30 may be employed to detect useroccupancy patterns (e.g., what times of day they are use the shower, anda user's control over various settings on the dial may be tracked overtime. The PIR sensing, outside temperature, and other non-remotemulti-sensor technology is advantageously hidden away inside the RWPDMCapparatus itself. On an ongoing basis, the RWPDMC apparatus processesthe learned and sensed information according to one or more advancedcontrol algorithms, and then automatically adjusts its environmentalwater settings to optimize water usage. Even further, the RWPDMCapparatus is programmed to promote water-saving behavior in the usersthemselves by virtue of displaying, at judiciously selected times on itsvisually appealing user interface, information that encourages reducedwater usage, such as historical water use and associated costs, displaysof congratulations and encouragement.

The selectively layered functionality of the RWPDNC apparatus 10, 30allows it to be effective for a variety of different technologicalcircumstances in home and business environments, thereby making the sameRWPDNC apparatus readily saleable to a wide variety of customers. Forsimple environments having no wireless home network or internetconnectivity, the RWPDMC apparatus 10 operates effectively in astandalone mode, being capable of learning and adapting to its water useenvironment based on multi-sensor technology and user input, andoptimizing water settings accordingly. However, for environments that doindeed have home network or internet connectivity, the RWPDMC apparatus10, 30 can operate effectively in a network-connected mode to offer avariety of additional capabilities, such as alerting when water use hasexceeded a limit (indicated a leak within the premises). Network andcellular connectivity may function to communicate water use and waterleak situations to remote apparatus using cellular format technologyincluding current and future variants, revisions and generations (e.g.third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G) andall future generations) of Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM),General Packet Radio Service (GPSR), Code Division Multiple Access(CDMA), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), Enhanced Data Rates for GSMEvolution (EDGE), 3GSM, Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications(DECT), Digital AMPS (IS-136/TDMA, Integrated Digital Enhance Network(iDEN), HSPA+, WiMAX, LTE, Flash-OFDM, HIPERMAN, WiFi, IBurst, UMTS,W-CDMA, HSPDA+HSUPA, UMTS-TDD and other formats for utilizing cell phonetechnology, antenna distributions and/or any combinations thereof, andincluding the use of satellite, microwave technology, the internet, celltower, and/or telephone lines. The cellular communication can be sent toa typical cell phone, smart phones, or similar apparatus includes allremote cellular phones using channel access methods defined above (withcellular equipment, public switched telephone network lines, satellite,tower and mesh technology), mobile phones, PDAs, tablets (e.g. refers toall current and future variants, revisions and generations of the AppleIPAD, Samsung Galaxy, HP, Acer, Microsoft, Nook, Google Nexus, Sony,Kindle and all future tablets manufactured by these and othermanufactures), Apple IPOD Touch, a smart or internet capable television,wireless timepiece or watch (Apple, Samsung) and other similar apparatuswith WIFI and wireless capability, and remote computers and controllershaving internet, wireless and/or cell format technology connectivity.

It is to be appreciated that while one or more embodiments is detailedherein for the context of a residential home, such as a single-familyhouse, the scope of the present teachings is not so limited, the presentteachings being likewise applicable, without limitation, to duplexes,townhouse, multi-unit apartment buildings, hotels, retail stores, officebuildings, industrial buildings, and more generally any living space orwork space having one or more water conservation systems. It is to befurther appreciated that while the terms user, customer, installer,homeowner, occupant, guest, tenant, landlord, repair person, and thelike may be used to refer to the person or persons who are interactingwith the RWPDMC apparatus or other device or user interface in thecontext of some particularly advantageous situations described herein,these references are by no means to be considered as limiting the scopeof the present teachings with respect to the person or persons who areperforming such actions. Thus, for example, the terms user, customer,purchaser, installer, subscriber, and homeowner may often refer to thesame person in the case of a single-family residential dwelling, becausethe head of the household is often the person who makes the purchasingdecision, buys the unit, and installs and configures the unit, and isalso one of the users of the unit and is a customer of the utilitycompany and/or RWPDMC data service provider. However, in otherscenarios, such as a landlord-tenant environment, the customer may bethe landlord with respect to purchasing the unit, the installer may be alocal apartment supervisor, a first user may be the tenant, and a seconduser may again be the landlord with respect to remote controlfunctionality.

Importantly, while the identity of the person performing the action maybe important to a particular advantage provided by one or more of theembodiments. For example, the password-protected water use durationcontrol functionality described herein may be particularly advantageouswhere the landlord holds the sole password and can prevent extensivewater waste by the tenant. Such identity should not be construed in thedescriptions that follow as necessarily limiting the scope of thepresent teachings to those particular individuals having thoseparticular identities.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a remote water parameterdisplay, monitor and control unit (RWPDMC) apparatus 10. The RWPDMCapparatus 10 preferably has an elegant, visually appealing appearance.The RWPDMC apparatus 10 comprises a main body that is preferablycircular in configuration with a diameter in the range of 6-10 cm, andthat has a visually pleasing outer finish, such as a satin nickel orchrome finish. Separated from the main body by a small peripheral gap isa rotatable outer ring 12 with engagement facilitation means, a sensorring 14 and a circular display 20. In the illustrative embodiment, thefront surface of the display 20 is shown having a circular shape,however, the front surface 20 can have any useable regular or irregularshape such as, for example, square, rectangle, oblong, or triangular.

The front surface can have a generally planar or non-planar surface. Inan illustrative embodiment, the front surface 20 has a generally planaror generally convex surface. In the illustrative embodiment, the frontsurface 20 is located generally at the center of the RWPDMC 10, however,the front surface can be located at any useable position on the RWPDMC10.

In the illustrative embodiment, the central display is defined centralarea 20 illustrated showing the time or cumulative time 22, thetemperature 24 and flow rate 26. The display utilizes one or moreilluminating technologies, such as LCD, LED, OMLED, gas plasma,fluorescence, incandescent, halogen, halide, or other lightingtechnologies. The display means and display means housing should be ableto sustain exposure to moist wet conditions. The present invention caninclude one or more than one display parameter. For example, a unit withonly the temperature display can be manufactured to reduce overallcosts. Furthermore, the orientation of the parameters 22, 24, and 26presented can be changed, for example, the flow parameter can be on topwith the time parameter on the bottom and with the temperature parametersandwiched between. The displays 22, 24, and 26 can have a backgroundlight that is used for various purposes, for example, for providingbetter lighting conditions or changing color e.g. from green to red, todisplay an alarming condition. Displaying of all water parameters 22, 24and 26 can utilize a gang multiple LCD, LED, gas plasma, fluorescence,incandescent, halogen, halide, or other lighting technologies separatedisplays, custom displays, graphic displays or a single line displaywhich sufficient digits that sequences the presentation of the waterparameters 22, 24, and 26 one at a time with a specific delay andsequencing. An example of a LCD unit that can be used with the presentinvention is the color graphic 128×128 LCD-00569 marketed by SparkfunElectronics in Boulder, Colo. It is anticipated by the Applicants thatthere are other variants and other LCD, LED, gas plasma, fluorescence,incandescent, halogen, halide, or other lighting technologies that canbe utilized with the present invention. The central display is definedalso by a selectable display panels or soft buttons 18 a, 18 b, 18 c and18 d located on the periphery. The selectable display panels or softbuttons 18 a, 18 b, 18 c, 18 d can have any useable regular or irregularshape, as desired. It should be recognized that the surface area of theselectable display panel or soft buttons 18 a, 18 b, 18 c and 18 d canhave any desired size or shape. In addition, it anticipated by theApplicant that the display panels can be one, two, three, four, five,six or more and each selectable display panels or soft buttons that areselectable such that a number of selections are presented on the LCD/LEDdisplay, or that subsequent specific menu or submenus are presented onthe LCD/LED display. The display 20 can be programmed to exhibit one ormore parameters in a visual means that can be either an analog,character or digital display, or combination of display means. Or thetime parameter 22, the temperature parameter 24 and the flow rate sensor26 can be display sequentially one at a time at a give period.Information obtained from the appropriate sensor monitoring or measuringthe water parameters such as temperature, shower time (water on), andflow rate can be displayed in an appropriate format on the displaymeans. For example, when a sensor is monitoring the shower temperatureof water flowing through the shower head, the display means could showany temperature between 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) and212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius), and within a reasonablerange of 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10.0 degrees Celsius) and 150 degreesFahrenheit (65.5 degrees Celsius). For example, when a sensor ismonitoring or measuring the rate of water flowing from a water source orthrough the shower head, the display means could show any flow between 0gal/min (0 liters/hr) and 100 gal/min, within a reasonable range of 0.2gal/min (liter/min) to 20 gal/min (liters/min). In additional, when asensor is monitoring or measuring the rate of water flowing from a watersource or through the shower head, the display means could show thetotal volume of water that has been used, e.g. 23 gallons. Furthermore,the display can be programmed to display calendar information, such asthe date and current time (12 hr. or 24 hr. format).

A separate display retainer and switchable backlight disposed behind thedisplay panel may be used to illuminate the central display area 20 andthe selectable display panels or soft buttons 18 a, 18 b, 18 c and 18 dat times when visibility is compromised e.g. night, and to increase thevisibility of the display panel during daytime use. A backlight buttonmay be used to operably activate and/or deactivate the switchablebacklight. Alternatively, or in addition, the switchable backlight canbe activated by moving the interface member 16 when displaying and/oradjusting a display parameter. The switchable backlight can deactivatefollowing the expiration of a specific time interval.

The backlight can be controlled by a backlight button perimeter or byautomatic sensing means. The backlight button (not shown) can have anyuseable regular or irregular shape, or be a soft button or selectablepanel area as desired. The backlight button has a backlight buttonsurface area within the backlight button perimeter. However, it shouldbe recognized that the surface area of the backlight button can have anydesired size. In an illustrative embodiment, the backlight button has asurface area that is greater than or equal to the display panel 14surface area. In some illustrative embodiments, the backlight button hasa surface area 10% greater, 20% greater, 30% greater or more than thedisplay panel 14 surface area. In further illustrative embodiments, thebacklight button has a surface area of at least 1%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%,12.5%, 15% or more of the base housing 12 surface area.

The backlight button can be generally co-planar with the controllerouter housing or front surface 20 and form a portion of the outerhousing or front surface 20. In some embodiments, the backlight buttonis hinged to a portion of the controller 10 outer housing or frontsurface 20, if desired. Or the backlight button can be one of theselectable display panels or soft buttons.

The outer ring 12 preferably has an outer finish identical to that ofthe main body, while the sensor ring and circular display monitor 20have a common circular glass or plastic outer covering that can be flator gently arced in an outward direction. The outer ring 12 may bedisposed along a front face of a housing of the RWPDMC 10. The frontface is substantial circular in shape, and the housing may be disk-likein shape.

The outer ring 12 may substantially surround the circular displaymonitor or substantially surround a portion of the circular displaymonitor visible to a user. The outer ring 12 is generally coincidentwith an outer-facing lateral periphery of the housing.

The sensor ring 14 contains any of a wide variety of sensors including,without limitation, infrared sensors, visible-light sensors, andacoustic sensors. Preferably, the glass (or plastic) that covers thesensor ring 14 is smoked or mirrored such that the sensors themselvesare not visible to the user. An air venting functionality is preferablyprovided, such as by virtue of the peripheral gap(s) between the housingand the sensor ring, which allows the ambient air to be sensed by theinternal sensors or to allow cooling of the electrical components.

The RWPDMC apparatus 10 is controlled by the hand employing two types ofuser input, the first being a rotation of the outer ring 12 and thesecond being an inward push on the outer ring 12 until an audible and/ortactile “click” occurs. For some embodiments, an interior dome switchdisposed in mechanical communication with the outer ring 106 providesthe audible and/or tactile “click” associated with a completed inwardpressing of the ring, the dome switch also providing an associatedoutward restorative force.

The second type of user input is an inward push whereby the selectionmeans can be actuated only by moving forward the outer ring 20, oralternately, the entire structure consisting of the outer ring 12, theglass covering of the sensor ring 17 and circular display monitor 20,move inwardly together when pushed. Preferably, the sensor ring 14, thecircular display monitor 20 and their common glass covering do notrotate with outer ring 12.

By virtue of user rotation of the outer ring 12 (referenced hereafter asa “ring rotation”) and the inward pushing of the outer ring 106(referenced hereinafter as an “inward click or audible signal”)responsive to intuitive and easy-to-read prompts on the circular displaymonitor 20, the RWPDMC 10 is advantageously capable of receiving allnecessary information from the user for basic setup and operation.Preferably, the outer ring 12 is mechanically mounted in a manner thatprovides a smooth and solid feel to the user. According to variousimplementations, the outer ring 16 rotates on plastic or metallicbearings and uses a digital encoder to measure the rotational movementand/or rotational position of the outer ring 16. The RWPDMC apparatus 10recognizes three fundamental user inputs by virtue of the ring rotationand inward click: (1) ring rotate left, (2) ring rotate right, and (3)inward motion.

According to some implementations, multiple types of user input may begenerated depending on the way a pushing inward of head unit frontincluding the outer ring 12 is effectuated. In some implementations asingle brief push inward of the outer ring 12 until the audible and/ortactile click occurs followed by a release (single click) can beinterpreted as one type of user input (also referred to as an “inwardclick”). In other implementations, pushing the outer ring 106 in andholding with an the inward pressure for an amount of time such as 1-3seconds can be interpreted as another type of user input (also referredto as a “press and hold”). According to some further implementations,other types of user input can be effectuated by a user such as doubleand/or multiple clicks, and pressing and holding for longer and/orshorter periods of time. According to other implementations,speed-sensitive or acceleration-sensitive rotational inputs may also beimplemented to create further types of user inputs (e.g., a very largeand fast leftward rotation specifies an “Away” occupancy state, while avery large and fast rightward rotation specifies an “Occupied” occupancystate).

According to some implementations, the RWPDMC apparatus can communicatecontrolling functions to remotely located sensors and water controlvalves. For example, pushing the outer ring 106 in and holding with anthe inward pressure for an amount of time such as 1-3 seconds can beinterpreted as signal to turn on a remotely located shower. In otherimplementations, monitoring and learning functions are performed undercomputerized control of the RWPDMC 10 responsive to its multi-sensorreadings, its programming (optionally in conjunction with externallyprovided commands/data provided over a data network), and/or theabove-described “ring rotation” and “inward click” user inputs. TheRWPDMC 10 comprises physical hardware and firmware configurations, alongwith hardware, firmware, and software programming that are capable ofcarrying out the functionalities described explicitly herein or in oneof the commonly assigned incorporated applications. Such functions aredividing into categories such as “settings”. “programming” and caninclude functions such as modify a shower, bath or faucet on/off period,modify displayed parameters order or selection, color schemes,Bluetooth, WIFI settings, calibrate with the temperature, water flow andtiming sensors, define a hold out period, modify the display ofparameters, or input passwords.

In addition, the RWPDNC apparatus 10, 30 can control a water shut offmeans to activate or deactivate a shower, bath or faucet water supply ifan alarm or setting has been activated. The water shut off means iselectrically connected, either by wired or wireless communication means,to the RWPDMC apparatus. The water shut off means can be activated if analarm state has been achieved, e.g. shower time of 10 minutes and 10seconds has expired, or temperature is above 115 degrees Fahrenheit, orthe total of 15 gallons of water has flowed since the water source wasopening. The alarm or settings can be a default setting installed by themanufacturer or programmed by the user on the RWPDMC apparatus 10, 30.

Similar comments apply to devices and functionalities extrinsic to theRWPDMC apparatus 10,30 such as devices and programs used in remote datastorage and data processing centers that receive data communicationsfrom and/or that provide data communications to the RWPDMC apparatus 10,30. By way of example, references to machine learning and mathematicaloptimization algorithms, as carried out respectively by the ADMCU 10 inrelation to home occupancy prediction and water use optimization, forexample, can be carried out using one or more known technologies,models, and/or mathematical strategies including, but not limited to,artificial neural networks, Bayesian networks, genetic programming,inductive logic programming, support vector machines, decision treelearning, clustering analysis, dynamic programming, stochasticoptimization, linear regression, quadratic regression, binomialregression, logistic regression, simulated annealing, and otherlearning, forecasting, and optimization techniques.

The RWPDMC apparatus 10, 30 as installed in a house, corporation orinstitution having one or more water and temperature sensors connectedto a water supply and communicated using a set of control wiresextending therefrom. The RWPDNC 10 is extremely well suited forinstallation by contractors in new home construction and/or in thecontext of complete water conservation system replacement. In analternate means, the ADMCU 10 as installed in a house, corporation orinstitution having one or more water and temperature sensors connectedto a water supply and communicated using wireless technology.

The temperature and water sensor data that is communicated eitherthrough direct a wireless means using radio-frequency, Bluetooth, WiFi,optical or other wireless technology for transferring the waterparameter data generated by the sensors and collected by themicroprocessor and sent to a wireless to the remote water parameterdisplay, monitor and/or control apparatus 10 and/or a sensor assemblylocated at the water supply. The remote water parameter display, monitorand/or control apparatus and/or the sensor apparatus can have thefunction allows an individual or entity to review that data for auditingor monitoring purposes. This could be useful in commercial operations,such as in hotels, motels, work-out facilities or other commercialoperations that allows individuals to use water supplies whereby thewireless transfer means or communication can be sent to a remotereceiver that displays or records the water parameters. For example, aparticular hotel chain might allow guests to use a certain quantity ofwater for shower purposes, e.g. 35 gallons per day. Maids or otherindividuals having access to the individual's room can have a displaymeans 20 that monitors and records the amount water used per day. If theindividual uses 40 gallons per day, the hotel chain will have waterparameter data to add an additional charge to the individual hotel billfor the additional water usage. Examples of Bluetooth modules (using the2.4 GHz band as WiFi) that can be added to the present invention are theRN-41 Bluetooth modules available from Roving Networks in Los Gatos,Calif., the KC-41, KC 11.4, KC-5100, KC-216 or KC-225 data serialmodules from KC Wireless in Tempe Ariz., and/or the BT-21 module fromAmp'ed RF wireless solutions in San Jose, Calif. Examples of wirelessprotocols that can be utilized with the present invention include, butare not limited to, the IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g andIEEE 802.11n modulation techniques. Applicants recognize that there arenumerous wireless protocols that have been developed that, although notspecifically listed, could be utilized with the present invention fordata transfer purposes.

In addition, the wireless or wire data transfer can be connected to theInternet using the IP or DHCP protocols whereby the data can bemonitored remotely over the Internet using a software program designedto record, display, analyze and/or audit the water parameter data. Thepresent invention would probably have to “log on” to a server to reportthe water parameters or it could respond to queries once its presence isknown to the server.

Also some wireless routers support a form of “private” point-to-point orbridging operation which could be used to transfer water parameter datafrom the present invention to a receiving apparatus. Other kinds ofproprietary protocols to be used with the present invention are possibleas well. For example, there is the ISM (industrial, scientific andmedical) bands. The ISM bands are defined by the ITU-R in 5.138, 5.150,and 5.280 of the Radio Regulations. Individual countries' use of thebands designated in these sections may differ due to variations innational radio regulations. Because communication devices using the ISMbands must tolerate any interference from ISM equipment, these bands aretypically given over to uses intended for unlicensed operation, sinceunlicensed operation typically needs to be tolerant of interference fromother devices anyway. In the United States of America, ISM uses of theISM bands are governed by Part 18 of the FCC rules, while Part 15Subpart B contains the rules for unlicensed communication devices, eventhose that use the ISM frequencies. Part 18 ISM rules prohibit using ISMfor communications.

The ISM bands defined by the ITU-R are:

Frequency range Center frequency [Hz] [Hz] Availability 6.765-6.795 MHz6.780 MHz Subject to local acceptance 13.553-13.567 MHz 13.560 MHz26.957-27.283 MHz 27.120 MHz 40.66-40.70 MHz 40.68 MHz 433.05-434.79 MHz433.92 MHz Region 1 only 902-928 MHz 915 MHz Region 2 only 2.400-2.500GHz 2.450 GHz 5.725-5.875 GHz 5.800 GHz 24-24.25 GHz 24.125 GHz 61-61.5GHz 61.25 GHz Subject to local acceptance 122-123 GHz 122.5 GHz Subjectto local acceptance 244-246 GHz 245 GHz Subject to local acceptance

While currently the 430 MHz and 900 MHz frequencies are commonly used inthe US, it is anticipated by the Applicants that the other frequenciescould be used for water parameter transfers.

Another protocol known as CAN or CAN-bus (ISO 11898-1) that wasoriginally designed for automotive applications, but now moving intoindustrial applications is another type of network that could be used totransfer water parameter data. Devices that are connected by a CANnetwork are typically sensors, actuators and control devices. A CANmessage never reaches these devices directly, but instead ahost-processor and a CAN Controller is needed between these devices andthe bus.

Some implementations of the RWPDMC apparatus 10, 30 incorporate one ormore sensors to gather incidental data from the environment associatedwith the house, business or institution. Sensors incorporated withinRWPDMC apparatus 10 may detect occupancy, ambient temperature,backlighting and influence the control and operation water conservationapparatuses. The RWPDMC apparatus 10 uses a smoked or mirror coloredgrill member implemented in accordance with the present invention tocover the sensors. Keeping certain sensors within the RWPDMC apparatus10 reduces the likelihood of damage and loss of calibration duringmanufacture, delivery, installation or use of the RWPDMC apparatus 10.Yet despite covering these sensors, the specialized design of the grillemember facilitates accurately gathering occupancy, ambient temperatureand other data.

FIG. 1 also illustrates the presentation of time parameter 22,temperature parameter 24 and flow rate parameter 26 with outerselectable panel areas or soft buttons for menu selection andadjustment. The RWPDMC 10 can show the current time of day when thesensors monitoring the water supply are not in operation. It isanticipated by the Applicant that a menu selection can be selected toactivate a water source such as a shower duration that based on rotationof the outer ring 16. In this exemplary situation, the RWPDMC apparatus10, 30 controls a shower, bath or faucet activation and deactivation,prior to the time in which the user has walked up to the RWPDMCapparatus 10, 30 the RWPDMC apparatus 10, 30 has set the time parameterof the circular display monitor to be entirely blank (and the backlightis off), which corresponds to a state of inactivity when no person hascome near the unit. As the user walks up to the display, their presenceis detected by one or more sensors in the RWPDMC apparatus 10, 30 (e.g.,via a motion sensor) at which point the circular display monitor 20 isautomatically turned on.

When the unit senses motion, the circular electronic display exhibits adigital numerical representation of the zero “0” as the cumulative timeparameter in a large font. The temperature will be reading the ambienttemperature at the water source, and the flow rate will be also zero“0”. When the user selects the shower activation mode using one of theprogrammable selectable panels or soft buttons 18 a, 18 b, 18 c or 18 d,rotating the ring begins to increase the time parameter. As the userturns the outer ring clockwise, a digital numerical representation ofthe increasing value of the time duration of the shower isinstantaneously provided, and numeric value increases. Alternately, thetiming icon could be shown moving in a clockwise direction around theperiphery of the circular display monitor to a location representativeof the increasing duration time. Thus, a user receives instant feedbackabout an effect of his rotation and may thus tailor a degree of his ringrotation accordingly. Relationships between ring rotations and selectionoptions may be pre-established. For example, there may be a constant ornon-constant relationship between a degree of ring rotation and a changein timing parameters. Defining the relationship based on angularrotation rather than an absolute angular position allows for the ring toeasily be used for multiple variable options.

When the ring 12 or is pushed forward to accept the shower durationvalue, the remote shower (or other water source) can immediately turn onare can have a programmable lagging period. Also programmable by theowner or advanced user, is the maximum shower duration and the limit ofthe timing parameter obtained by rotation of the ring will not exceedthe programmed shower duration period. When pressed inwardly by theuser, the outer cap travels inwardly by a small amount, such as 0.5 m,against an interior metallic dome switch (not shown), and thenspringably travels back outwardly by that same amount when the inwardpressure is released, providing a satisfying tactile “click” sensationto the user's hand, along with a corresponding gentle audible clickingsound, should the clicking be desired.

User interactions with the RWPDMC apparatus 10 by virtue ofmanipulations of the outer ring 12 are analyzed and non-numericindicators (e.g., related to water. In the exemplary method, the wateractivation duration is currently set to a value known to be within afirst range known to be good or appropriate for water conservation, apleasing positive-reinforcement icon such as the blue waterfall (withplenty of flowing water) or a green light, or the like, is displayed. Asthe user turns up the time, the blue waterfall or green light continuesto be displayed as long as the duration remains in that first range.However, as the user continues to turn up the time duration to a valuegreater than the first range and into a second range, there is displayeda negatively reinforcing icon concern, or other somewhat negativeemotion, such icon being, for example, the blue waterfall has less wateror a yellow/red light. It is desired that the many users will respond tothe negatively reinforcing icon by turning the water duration back down,if the user returns the duration value in the first range, they are“rewarded” by the return of the blue waterfall (with plenty of flowingwater). Many other types of positive-emotion icons or displays can beused in place of the blue waterfall or green light, and likewise manydifferent negatively reinforcing icons or displays can be used in placeof the flashing yellow/red light (a water pond become partially drained,an hourglass shows less water available), while remaining within thescope of the present teachings.

The RWPDMC apparatus 10, 30 is designed to be entirely silent unless auser has walked up and begun controlling the unit. It can be programmedsuch that there are no clicking-type annoyances when the water durationsor other features are activated. Optionally, the RWPDMC apparatus 10 canbe configured to synthesize artificial audible clicks, such as can beoutput through a piezoelectric speaker, to provide “tick” feedback asthe user dials through different temperature settings. Thus, in someinstances, RWPDMC apparatus 10 includes an audio output deviceconfigured to output\synthesized audible ticks through said audio outputdevice in correspondence with user rotation of the outer ring 12. Viathe single outer ring 12, a user may easily be able to perform multipletypes of interactions with the RWPDMC apparatus 10. A selectioncomponent 12 and electronic display 20 may enable a user to, e.g.: (1)identify a type of variable to be set, feature to be performed orinformation to be received; and/or (2) identify a value for one or morevariables and/or for one or more information fields from water parametersensors.

For example, the RWPDMC apparatus 10, 30 may include a plurality ofvariable categories (e.g., schedule, password and other settings,languages, wireless water and temperature sensor calibration pairingmodes, colors displayed, background colors, programming features e.g.shower duration period, shower “hold out” period. Leak detection notice,input cell phone numbers, IP address and programming). As described ingreater detail below, display 20 may be configured to present a circularmenu: as the user rotates outer ring 16, a different category may appearat or near a top of the display. A user may select a particular type ofcategory by clicking outer ring 16. Selection of some categories allowsa user to view available sub-menus. For example, rotation of outer ring16 may cause an apparent translation of the entire screen, such that afirst sub-menu moves off of the screen as a second sub-menu moves ontothe screen. In some instances, the user may be able to instantlyinteract with the displayed sub-menu even without clicking ring 16.

Each variable and/or information field may be defined by a value. Thevalue may include, e.g., a numeric value (e.g., a shower durationvariable is set at “7 minutes”), a word (e.g., a password is set as“Password”), a letter (e.g., a water sensor 1 is identified as WSensor“1”), a selection amongst a plurality of options (e.g., smart learningis “Enabled”), etc. An active variable/field may be identified based ona user's selection of the variable/field, a default ADMCU state and/orother information.

Various value options may then be presented to the user. For example, alist of options may be presented in a grid-like fashion on the display,and a user may move a highlighted option by rotating outer ring 12. Asanother example, alphanumeric characteristics may be arcuately presentedaround an outer border of circular electronic display 20. In someembodiments, the options are indicatively presented (e.g., by presentinga series of tick marks, representing options of evenly spaced values),and one or more options (e.g., a highlighted option) may be expresslypresented (e.g., by displaying a value of the highlighted option at ornear a center of the display). A user may rotate outer ring 12 until adesired option is highlighted. When a selection is highlighted, theselection may be confirmed by an inward click input on the outer ring106.

As example screens of an interactive RWPDMC apparatus 10 menu systeminclude a rotatable main menu, according to some preferred embodiments.As described in further detail below, the menu system may be accessibleto a user by an inward pressing of ring 16, and the user may be able tonavigate through the menu system by virtue of series of rotations andinward clicks of the outer ring 16. The screens shown, according to someembodiments, are displayed on the circular display monitor 20. FIG. 1shows an example screen in normal operations with selectable outer rimselectable panel areas or soft buttons 18 a, 18 b, 18 c and 18 d. Arotation of the ring 12 the highlights one of the soft button and thenan inward click from the normal display screen causes a circumferentialmenu to appear. In this example the main menu displays around theperimeter of the circular display area various menu names such as“SETTINGS,” “PROGRAM”” ““XXXX”s well one or more icons. Once one of themain soft buttons is selected, the top of the circular menu includes anactive window that shows the user which menu item will be selected if aninward click is performed at that time. Window is highlighted, filledin, circumscribed, or otherwise marked such that a user can easilyidentify that a menu item within this window is active.

Upon user rotation of the rotatable ring 12, the menu items turnclockwise or counter clockwise, matching the direction of the rotatablering 12, so as to allow different menu items to be selected. Examplesdisplayed in response to a clockwise rotation of the rotatable ring 12are modify a shower, bath or faucet on/off period, modify displayedparameters order or selection, color schemes, Bluetooth, WIFI settings,calibrate with the temperature, water flow and timing sensors, define ahold out period, modify the display of parameters, or input passwords.Example of a rotating menu that rotates responsive to ring rotationsaccording to some embodiments is illustrated in the commonly assignedpatents and patent applications, U.S. Ser. Nos. 11/877,860, 12/539,150,12/877,094, 12/986,341, 13/216,521, 13/16,497, 13/491,201, 13/541,81913/776,963, 14/561,271, 14/596,460 and 14/693,394. From this screen, ifan inward click is performed by the user, then the Settings menu isentered. It has been found that a circular rotating menu such as shown,when combined with a rotatable ring and round display area, allows forhighly intuitive and easy input, and so therefore greatly enhances theuser interface experience for many users.

Menu items may include text (e.g., “Program”) and/or selected icons. Theexample screen them allows for the Program mode to be entered. If ininward click is performed from screen a menu screen appears (e.g. fadingin and out, pixel fading, using a “coin flip”, portion of the previousscreen disk moving out in one direction and a portion of the new screenmoving into the main display area, or another transition method). Theuser can view the current mode (marked with a check mark). Anotherillustrations shows another way in which rotatable ring 16 may be usedto make a selection. A plurality of selection options may be presented,with one or more options being emphasized (e.g., highlighted). A usermay highlight a different option by rotating rotatable ring 12. Forexample, as a user rotates rotatable ring 12 in a clockwise fashion,options further down the list become highlighted. Once the user issatisfied that the desired option is highlighted, they may push forwardon the ring or the circular display monitor 20 to confirm the selection.Thus, a user may rotate rotatable ring 12 clockwise (orcounter-clockwise) to move the highlighting from “SETTING” to “PROGRAM”or “XXXXX” The user may then establish the selection by clicking thering 12 or circular display monitor 20, and thereby change the mode. If“SETTING” is selected then additional menus or selection will be displayfor further selection or inputting desires variables. Examples forsettings for electronic screen brightness, auto-brightness, PIR setting,click sounds on and off, Celsius or Fahrenheit units, languageselection, etc.

illustrates a data input functionality provided by the user interface ofthe RWPDMC apparatus 10 according to an embodiment, for a particularnon-limiting example in which the user is asked, during a setup mode(which can occur at initial RWPDMC apparatus 10 installation or at anysubsequent time that the user may request), to enter their cell phonenumber, address, occupancy settings. Responsive to a display of digitsdistributed around a periphery of the circular display monitor alongwith selection icon, the user turns the outer ring to move the selectionicon to the appropriate digit, and then provides an inward click commandto enter that digit. In some embodiments, the menu system that isnavigated by virtue of ring rotations and ring inward clicks may beconfigured to further allow the user to: provide the unit withinformation necessary to connect to an Internet network; provide anaddress; provide a current date; provide a type of location (home versusbusiness); provide occupancy patterns; provide information about waterflow sensors; set a password; scheduling learning; set a brightness,sound or unit property; initiate an equipment test; and/or view selectinformational content (e.g., how to set up wiring).

For one embodiment, the RWPDMC apparatus 10 is programmed to provide asoftware lockout functionality, wherein a person is required to enter apassword or combination before the RWPDMC apparatus 10 will accept theircontrol inputs. The software lockout functionality can be highly useful,for example, for Mom and Dad in preventing their teenager from makingunwanted changes to the shower duration and “hold out” periods, forvarious landlord-tenant scenarios, and in a variety of other situations.

The RWPDMC apparatus 10, 30 also allow for a data input functionalityprovided by the user interface of the RWPDMC apparatus 10, 30 foranswering various questions during the set up. The user rotates theouter ring 16 until the desired answer is highlighted, and then providesan inward click command to enter that answer. The menu system mayfurther be configured to receive variable inputs from a user. Forexample, a menu may be displayed subsequent to a click on the ring, anda user may be able to navigate between variables (e.g., a menu, asub-menu, a setting, etc.) using the outer ring 16. As another example,a double click on the ring may bring the user to the set up menu and atriple click could bring the program menu. These advanced opportunitiesmay nevertheless remain hidden from a user wishing to enter only themost simple information.

The front face of the RWPDNC apparatus 10 comprises a clear cover thataccording to some embodiments is polycarbonate or glass, and a metallicportion preferably having a number of slots formed therein as shown. Thesurface of circular display monitor 20, cover, and metallic portion forma common outward arc or spherical shape gently arcing outward, and thisgentle arcing shape is continued by the outer ring. The centralelectronic display is a dot-matrix layout LCD, LED or OMLED or otherdisplay technology such that custom shapes can be generated, rather thanbeing a segmented layout. According to some embodiments, a combinationof dot-matrix layout and segmented layout is employed. According to someembodiments, central display 816 is a backlit color liquid crystaldisplay (LCD or LED).

The metallic portion has number of slot-like openings so as tofacilitate the use of a passive infrared motion sensor mounted therebeneath. In the implementation as illustrated, the ADMCU 10 is enclosedby housing with a forward-facing surface including the electronicdisplay and cover and the metallic portion. Some implementations of thehousing include a back plate and a head unit. The housing providesconfiguration for one or more integrated sensors.

The RWPDNC apparatus 10 is generally constructed such that theelectronic display 20 is at a fixed orientation and does not rotate withthe outer ring 12, so that the electronic display 20 remains easily readby the user. For some embodiments, the cover and metallic portion alsoremain at a fixed orientation and do not rotate with the outer ring 12.The RWPDMC apparatus 10 can have a LED indicator used to displayblinking red when a rechargeable battery of the display device is verylow needs to being recharged. More generally, the LED indicator can beused for communicating one or more status codes or error codes by virtueof red color, green color, various combinations of red and green,various different blinking rates, and so forth, which can be useful fortroubleshooting purposes.

Motion sensing as well as other techniques can be use used in thedetection and/or predict of occupancy. According to some embodiments,occupancy information is used in generating an effective and efficientscheduled program or to enhance leak detection capabilities. Preferably,an active proximity sensor is provided to detect an approaching user byinfrared light reflection, and an ambient light sensor is provided tosense visible light. The proximity sensor can be used to detectproximity in the range of about one meter so that the RWPDMC apparatus10, 30 can initiate “waking up” when the user is approaching. Such useof proximity sensing is useful for enhancing the user experience bybeing “ready” for interaction as soon as, or very soon after the user isready to interact with the device while saving battery power when thehome, business or institution is unoccupied. The ambient light sensorcan be used for a variety of intelligence-gathering purposes, such asfor facilitating confirmation of occupancy when sharp rising or fallingedges are detected (because it is likely that there are occupants whoare turning the lights on and off), and such as for detecting long term(e.g., 24-hour) patterns of ambient light intensity for confirmingand/or automatically establishing the time of day.

According to some embodiments, the RWPDMC apparatus 10, 30 includes aprogrammable microprocessor, electrical circuitry with a display driverand a wireless communications system. The RWPDMC apparatus 10 isspecifically designed to communication with the timing, temperature andflow sensor as illustrated in the commonly assigned U.S. Ser. Nos.11/877,860, 12/539,150, 12/877,094, 12/986,341, 13/216,521, 13/16,497,13/491,201, 13/541,819 13/776,963, 14/561,271, 14/596,460 and14/693,394. The programmable microprocessor, electrical circuitry with adisplay driver and a wireless communications system may be disposedwithin a housing RWPDMC apparatus 10. The programmable microprocessorand electrical circuitry is configured to dynamically identify userinput via rotatable ring 16, dynamically identifying a variable value,and/or dynamically identify an water control-related apparatus. Theprogrammable microprocessor and electrical circuitry is configured andprogrammed to provide an interactive ADMCU 10 menu system on displayarea 29 and responsive to an inward pressing of rotatable ring 16 and/orto provide user navigation within the interactive menu system based onrotation of rotatable ring 16 and inward pressing of rotatable ring orcircular display monitor 20. The programmable microprocessor andelectrical circuitry is designed to cause the display driver and displayarea to display information to the user and/or to receive user input viathe rotatable ring 16. The relationship may be, e.g., linear ornon-linear, continuous or discrete, and/or saturating or non-saturating.Such relationships may be pre-defined and stored within the RWPDMCapparatus 10. User input may be detected. Analysis of the user input mayinclude, e.g., identifying: a type of user input (tapping versusrotation), a degree of input (e.g., a degree of rotation); a final inputposition (e.g., a final angular position of the rotatable ring); aninput location (e.g., a position of a tapping); and/or a speed of input(e.g., a speed of rotation). Using the relationship, the programmablemicroprocessor, electrical circuitry may then determine a displayindicator, such as a digital numerical value representative of anidentified value of a variable (e.g., water flow rate). The displayindicator may be displayed on circular display monitor 20. The displayedvalue may be, e.g., numeric, textual or graphical.

The programmable microprocessor and electrical circuitry may further seta variable value in accordance with a user selection. For example, aparticular type of user input (e.g., inwards pressure exertion) may bedetected. A value of a selected variable may be determined based on,e.g., a prior ring rotation, displayed variable value, etc. The variablemay then be set to this value. The programmable microprocessor andelectrical circuitry, according to some embodiments, is capable ofcarrying out the control of the operation of remote water controlmechanism. The programmable microprocessor and electrical circuitry isfurther programmed and configured to carry out other operations asdescribed further and/or in other ones of the commonly assignedincorporated applications. For example, programmable microprocessor,electrical circuitry with a display driver and a wireless communicationsis further programmed and configured to maintain and updatemicroprocessor software for the communicating with different remotewater sensors, temperature sensor and timing circuits.

According to some embodiments, the wireless communications is used tocommunicate with devices such as personal computers and/or other waterconservation system components, which can be peer-to-peercommunications, communications through one or more servers located on aprivate network, and/or communications through a cloud-based service.

The RWPDMC apparatus 10 housing includes two main components, which arethe head unit and the back plate. Further technical and/or functionaldescriptions of various ones of the electrical and mechanical componentscan be found in one or more of the commonly assigned incorporatedapplications, U.S. Ser. Nos. 11/877,860, 12/539,150, 12/877,094,12/986,341, 13/216,521, 13/16,497, 13/491,201, 13/541,819 13/776,963,14/561,271, 14/596,460 and 14/693,394. The RWPDMC apparatus 10, 30housing is defined by a base housing perimeter. In an illustrativeembodiment, the base housing is designed to become permanently orremovably engaged to various mounting surfaces utilizing varioustechnology means, e.g. suction, adhesive, Velcro, screw and boltingtechnology, etc. (not shown). The rear base housing has a rear basehousing surface area defined by the base housing perimeter. As usedherein, the term “surface area” is defined as a planar cross-sectionalsurface area. However, it should be recognized that the surface area ofthe base housing can have any desired size to provide adequateattachment means.

It is anticipated that the RWPDMC apparatus 10, 30 is powered by arechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, which for one preferred embodiment hasa nominal range voltage of 3.0-14 volts DC and a nominal capacity in therange of 500 to 2000 mAh. To extend battery life, however, the batterycharging circuitry may not fully charge the battery. Also included is anoptical finger navigation module that is configured and positioned tosense rotation of the outer ring 16. The module uses methods analogousto the operation of optical computer mice to sense the movement of atexturable or knobbed surface on a facing periphery of the outer ring12.

The circumferentially positioned grille member is designed over theFresnel lens and an associated PIR motion sensor concealing andprotecting these PIR sensing elements, while horizontal slots in thegrille member allow the PIR motion sensing hardware, despite beingconcealed, to detect the lateral motion of occupants in a room or area.The PIR motion sensor may detect occupants moving laterally due to theshape of openings, which are slit-like and elongated along asubstantially horizontal direction. In some implementations, the Fresnellens helps focus the radiation from these occupants onto the infraredsensitive sensor elements of the PIR motion sensor. For example, thegrille member has one or more openings placed over the radiationreceiving elements and Fresnel lens of the PIR motion sensor. Whilegrille member may be constructed from a variety of materials includingmetal, plastic, glass, carbon-composite, and metallic alloy, it isgenerally preferable for purposes of increased temperature sensingprecision for the grille member to be made of a material with a highthermal conductivity, such as a metal or metallic alloy. An example ofthe PIR motion sensor is the PerkinElmer DigiPyro PYD 1998 dual elementpyrodetector.

As the grill member is made from a thermally conductive material such asa metal or metallic alloy, it operates as a “thermal antenna” andabsorbs ambient temperature from a broader area than temperature sensorcould otherwise sample. A temperature sensor positioned substantiallynormal to the head unit circuit board towards grill member may be closeenough to receive heat absorbed by grill member. In someimplementations, applying a thermally conductive materials, such as apaste, thermal adhesive or thermal grease between temperature sensor 330and inward facing surface of grille member improves the thermalconductivity between these two components and the accuracy of thetemperature measurement. A local environmental temperature sensor can befor example, a Texas Instruments TMP112 digital temperature sensor chip.

As an example for the programmable microprocessor, electrical circuitrywith a display driver and a wireless communications for RWPDMC apparatus10, 30 includes the Texas Instruments AM3703 chip and an associatedoscillator, along with DDR SDRAM memory, and mass AND storage or theprocessor/microcontroller, such as a Texas Instruments MSP430FSystem-on-Chip Microcontroller. For the Wi-Fi capability, there isprovided in a separate compartment of RF shielding a Wi-Fi module, suchas a Murata Wireless Solutions LBWA19XSLZ module, which is based on theTexas Instruments WL1270 chipset supporting the 802.11 b/g/n WLANstandard. For ZigBee capability, there is provided also in a separatelyshielded RF compartment a ZigBee module, which can be, for example, aC2530F256 module from Texas Instruments. For the ZigBee module there isprovided supporting circuitry including an oscillator and a low-noiseamplifier. Also provided is display backlight voltage conversioncircuitry, piezoelectric driving circuitry 1424, and power managementcircuitry 1426 (local power rails, etc.). Provided on the electricalcircuit that attaches proximity to be exposed to ambient light is theSilicon Labs SI1142 Proximity/Ambient Light Sensor with an I2CInterface. Also provided is battery charging-electrical circuitry, andRF antennas. Optionally provided is a environmental temperature sensor.

The RWPDMC apparatus 10, 30 can use the relatively powerful andrelatively power-intensive Texas Instruments AM3703 microprocessor thatis capable of quickly performing more complex functions such as drivingthe user interface display and performing various mathematical learningcomputations. If battery power must be conserved that the relativelyless powerful and less power-intensive Texas Instruments MSP430microcontroller for performing less intensive tasks, including drivingand controlling the occupancy sensors. There are hundreds of variantsbut for an example, the MSP430F436IPN (80 pin package) or MSP430F436IPZ(100 pin package) could be utilized in the present invention. There aremany other variants or other microprocessors, whether commerciallymarketed or privately fabricated, that can be used with the presentinvention.

To conserve valuable power but still provide the horsepower needed forcertain operations, the two example microprocessors can be employed toseparate functions and support each other for specific operations. Theexample relatively powerful and relatively power-intensive TexasInstruments AM3703 microprocessor can be maintained in a “sleep” statefor extended periods of time and is “woken up” only for occasions inwhich its capabilities are needed, whereas the example relatively lesspowerful and less power-intensive Texas Instruments MSP430 can be kepton more or less continuously and slowing down and further disablingcertain internal clocks for brief periodic intervals to conserve powerto perform its relatively low-power tasks. The example Texas InstrumentsAM3703 microprocessor and the example Texas Instruments NSP430microcontroller are mutually configured such that the example TexasInstruments MSP430 microcontroller processor can “wake” the exampleTexas Instruments AM3703 microprocessor on the occurrence of certainevents, which can be termed “wake-on” operation. This wake-on operationcan be turned on and turned off as part of different functional and/orpower-saving goals to be achieved. For example, a PIR wake up operationcan be provided by which the example Texas Instruments MSP430microcontroller detects a user's hand approaching the RWPDNC apparatus10 and circular display monitor 20 by virtue of an active proximitysensor or passive infrared motion sensor (PIR) will “wake up” theexample Texas Instruments AM3703 microprocessor so that it can provide avisual display to the approaching user and be ready to respond morerapidly when their hand touches the dial.

In the two microprocessor embodiment, the operations that the examplerelatively powerful and relatively power-intensive Texas InstrumentsAM3703 microprocessor will be conducting are the core water parameterdisplay and monitor operations, controlling the user interface forLCD/LED display and audio transducer, and processing the ring 12rotation and associated operations, power management and battery controlcircuitry, schedule and learning management activities, sensor database,objects, global objects, building characteristics, cloud managementinterface, conservation encouragement activities, WiFi, Zigbee andBluetooth wireless communications, and include circuitry tocommunication with the example Texas Instruments MSP430 microcontroller.

The microprocessors can include an EEPROM or any type of memory sectionthat allows for specific programming to be incorporated as processinginstructions. Furthermore, the microprocessor may have the capability toconvert analog signals into digital information for decoding andprocessing. Another example of a microprocessor that could be used forthe CPU or microprocessor is the PIC16F876 28-pin 8-Bin CMOS FLASHmicro-controllers manufactured by Microchip Technology, Inc. Thisparticular microprocessor has a 128K EEPROM Data memory bank for flashmemory of specific instructions and utilizes a 35-word instruction set.It also has five 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Inputs that can provide themeans for converting the information obtained from the temperaturesensor, flow sensor, and/or timing circuit from its analog format into adigitized form for processing by the instruction sets of the CPU ormicroprocessor

In the two microprocessor embodiment, the operations that the examplerelatively less powerful and less power-intensive Texas InstrumentsMSP430 will be conducting are remote sensor (water flow sensor,temperature sensor and timing data) polling interface, sensor database,LED indication light control, command interpreter and include circuitryto communicate with the example Texas Instruments AM3703 microprocessor.

Now specifically referring to FIG. 2 which demonstrates a perspectiveview of the second embodiment comprising an adaptable remote display,monitor and/or control apparatus (RWPDMC) with a touch-screen display ina round, square, rectangle or other configuration utilizing LED, LCD,OMLED or other display technology that has a menu system and a pluralityof soft buttons and including rear surface attachment means of a housingthat includes with electrical circuitry and one or moremicroprocessors/microcontrollers, and designed to communicate by wiredor wireless technology to a remotely located water flow sensor,temperature sensor and timing circuit attached to or in close proximityto a water supply. The remote water parameter display and controlapparatus 30, illustratively a wall-mounted display, includes a basehousing 32, a front surface including an electronic touch-screen display34 exhibiting a time parameter 36, a temperature parameter 37 and a flowsensor 38, and having one or more user selectable panels or soft buttons40 a, 40, b, 40 c, 40 d. In an illustrative embodiment, the displaypanel 34 and a backlight button from a portion of the front surface. Thebacklight button can be located in any useable location and assume anysuitable configuration relative to one another, as desired. The basehousing 32, touch-screen display 34 and interfacing members 40 a, 40 b,40 c, 40 d form an outer housing for the RWPDMC 30. The RWPDMC 30 isshown having a rectangle form, however, the RWPDMC 30 can have anyuseable regular or irregular form such as, for example, square,circular, oblong, triangular, or any other form, as desired.

The base housing is defined by a base housing perimeter. In anillustrative embodiment, the base housing is engaged to various mountingsurfaces but various technology means, e.g. suction, adhesive, Velcro,screw and bolting technology, etc. (not shown). The rear base housinghas a rear base housing surface area defined by the base housingperimeter. As used herein, the term “surface area” is defined as aplanar cross-sectional surface area. However, it should be recognizedthat the surface area of the base housing can have any desired size toprovide adequate attachment means.

The touch-screen display 34 can have a generally planar or non-planarsurface. In an illustrative embodiment, the touch-screen display 34 hasa generally planar or generally convex surface. In the illustrativeembodiment, the touch-screen display 34 is located generally at thecenter of the RWPDMC 30 however, the touch-screen display 34 can belocated at any useable position on the RWPDMC 30.

In the illustrative embodiment, the touch-screen display 34 is definedcentral area illustrated showing the time or cumulative time 36, thetemperature 37 and flow rate 38. The central display is defined also bya selectable display panels or soft panels 40 a, 40 b, 40 c and 40 dlocated on the periphery. The selectable display panels or soft buttons40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d can have any useable regular or irregular shape,as desired. The display panel 40 a, 40 b, 40 c and 40 d has a displaypanel surface area within the display panel perimeter. However, itshould be recognized that the surface area of the display panel 18 a, 18b, 18 c and 18 d can have any desired size. In addition, it anticipatedby the Applicant that the display panels can be one, two, three, four,five, six or more and each display panel is selectable such that anumber of selections are presented on the LCD/LED display, or thatsubsequent specific menu are presented on the LCD/LED display.

A separate display retainer and switchable backlight disposed behind thetouch-screen display 34 may be used to illuminate touch-screen display34 and the selectable display panels 40 a, 40 b, 40 c and 40 d at timeswhen visibility is compromised e.g. night, and to increase thevisibility of the display panel during daytime use. A backlight buttonmay be used to operably activate and/or deactivate the switchablebacklight. Alternatively, or in addition, the switchable backlight canbe activated by moving the interface member 16 when displaying and/oradjusting a display parameter. The switchable backlight can deactivatefollowing the expiration of a specific time interval.

The backlight button can have any useable regular or irregular shape, asdesired. However, it should be recognized that the surface area of thebacklight button can have any desired size. The backlight button 18 hasa surface area that is greater than or equal to the display panel 14surface area. In some illustrative embodiments, the backlight button 18has a surface area 10% greater, 20% greater, 30% greater or more thanthe display panel 14 surface area. In further illustrative embodiments,the backlight button 18 has a surface area of at least 1%, 2.5%, 5%,7.5%, 10%, 12.5%, 15% or more of the base housing 12 surface area.

The backlight button can be generally co-planar with the controllerouter housing or front surface 20 and form a portion of the outerhousing or front surface 20. In some embodiments, the backlight button18 is hinged to a portion of the controller 10 outer housing or frontsurface 20, if desired. In an illustrative embodiment, the backlightbutton 18 is hinged to the front surface 20 and forms a portion of thefront surface 20 and outer housing. The backlight button can be hingedadjacent to the display touch-screen display panel 34, for example.Motion sensing as well as other techniques can be use used in thedetection and/or predict of occupancy. According to some embodiments,occupancy information is used in generating an effective and efficientscheduled program or to enhance leak detection capabilities. Preferably,an active proximity sensor is provided to detect an approaching user byinfrared light reflection, and an ambient light sensor is provided tosense visible light. The proximity sensor can be used to detectproximity in the range of about one meter so that the RWPDMC apparatus10, 30 can initiate “waking up” when the user is approaching. Such useof proximity sensing is useful for enhancing the user experience bybeing “ready” for interaction as soon as, or very soon after the user isready to interact with the device while saving battery power when thehome, business or institution is unoccupied. The ambient light sensorcan be used for a variety of intelligence-gathering purposes, such asfor facilitating confirmation of occupancy when sharp rising or fallingedges are detected (because it is likely that there are occupants whoare turning the lights on and off), and such as for detecting long term(e.g., 24-hour) patterns of ambient light intensity for confirmingand/or automatically establishing the time of day.

The interface touch-screen display member 34 is shown having an annularshape, however, the interface display member 34 can have any useableregular or irregular shape as desired. In the illustrative embodiment,the interface touch-screen display member 34 forms the portion of theouter housing between the base housing 12 and the front surface 20. Theinterface touch-screen display member 34 is defined by an interfaceinner perimeter 15 between the front surface 20 and the interfacetouch-screen display member 34, and an interface outer perimeter betweenthe interface touch-screen display member 34 and the base housing. Inthe illustrative embodiment, the interface member can be rotated in aclockwise and/or counter-clockwise manner.

The interface touch-screen display member 34 is configured to modify theinformation displayed on the display panel. For example, and in oneillustrative embodiment, the interface display touch-screen display 34may display the value of a parameter of the controller 30, such as time,temperature, one or more set points, or any other suitable parameter.The interface touch-screen display member 34 can then be rotated toeffect a change in the parameter on the display panel. In anotherillustrative embodiment, the interface touch-screen display panel caninitially display information regarding a first parameter such as, forexample, a time or a temperature. Upon movement or selection of a panelor soft button on the interface member, the touch-screen display panelcan display information regarding a second parameter such as, forexample, a time or temperature set point. The interface touch-screendisplay member 34 can then be further moved to effect a change in thesecond parameter. For example, the interface member can be moved in afirst direction to increase the value of the displayed second parameteror be moved in a second direction opposite the first direction todecrease the value of the displayed second parameter. In an illustrativeembodiment, the interface touch-screen display member 34 has an annularor circular form and the movement is a rotational movement. However, inother embodiments, the interface member may be moved along anelliptical, linear or along any other desired path, as desired. Menusand submenus can be selected for different programming or features byselecting various display panels or soft buttons.

The interface touch-screen display member 34 can be removable from theremote water parameter display and control apparatus 30, if desired.Removal of the interface member 16 by a user aids in cleaning the remotewater parameter display and control apparatus 30 and interface displaymember 34. In addition, with the interface member 16 removed thecontroller 30 still can fulfill all the requirements for environmentalwater and moisture protection. The interface touch-screen display member34 can be formed of a water proof or water resistant material.

A base housing 32 may be provided. The base housing 32 may be mounted toa mounting surface such as a standard or shower wall. A front section,which is generally shown at, is disposed on to the base housing 32, andin some embodiments, a connector may provide one or more signalconnections between the base housing 32 and the front section.

The remote water parameter display and control apparatus section includeelectronics useful for the operation of the controller 30. Thecontroller section 50 includes a main circuit board 51. A display panel34 may be attached to the main circuit board 51 via a display retainerhousing, as further described below. One or more switches can also bedisposed on or adjacent to the main circuit board. The one or moreswitches may be electrically connected to electronics on the maincircuit board, and may form the basis for adjusting one or more controlparameters of the remote water parameter display and control apparatus.The switches can be mechanical switches, optical switches,micro-switches or any other suitable switch type, as desired. Thebacklight switch can also be disposed on or adjacent to the main circuitboard.

A remote sensor such as a water flow rate sensor, temperature sensor,and the like, is to be electrically coupled with the main circuit boardhaving electrical circuitry by preferably wireless technology. It isanticipated that in certain circumstances, standard wire techniques cancouple the sensors to the circuit board with electrical circuitry. Thesensor is shown in close proximity to a water supply source to achievingthe sensors desired function to acquire accurate readings. The sensorswill include a sensor circuit board with electrical circuitry whichfacilitates the communication of water parameter data to the remotewater parameter display and control apparatus

An intermediate section can be disposed between the front section andthe base housing. The intermediate section can form at least part of thefront surface of the remote water parameter display and controlapparatus. The intermediate housing may also include one or more detenttabs. The detent tabs and can be formed from metal, hard plastic, or anyother suitable material. The detent tabs can be configured to engagecorresponding outer and inner detent rings, respectively, of a detentring housing. The detent tabs may move toward the back base housing 32when engaging a peak of a detent along the detent ring housing, and awayfrom the back housing when engaging a valley of a detent along thedetent ring housing.

The interface touch-screen display member 34 can form a portion of theouter housing of the controller 30. The interface touch-screen displaymember 34 can have an interface inner perimeter and an interface outerperimeter. The grooved mating surface can be disposed on or in the innersurface of the interface touch-screen display member 34, and may beadapted to engage the interlock surface of the detent ring housing. Theinterface touch-screen display member 34 can be rotated by a user of thecontroller 30. When rotated, the interface touch-screen display member34 moves the detent ring housing relative to the detent tabs and of theintermediate housing.

Many of the features, technology and operation aspects of the embodimentshown in FIG. 1 can be applicable to, and are incorporated within, theembodiment shown in FIG. 2.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design,the present invention can be further modified within the spirit andscope of this disclosure. The application is therefore intended to coverany variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its generalprinciples. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice and the art to which this invention pertains and which fallwithin the limits of the appended claims.

1. A remote water parameter display, monitor and/or control apparatuscomprising: a housing having an electronic display disposed thereon; arotatable user-interface component configured to track a rotationalinput motion of a user; a microprocessor/microcontroller and electroniccircuitry system disposed within the housing and electrically coupled tothe rotatable user interface component and to the electronic display,the remote display, monitor and/or control apparatus being configured toexhibit and monitor water, temperature and timing parameters, said waterand temperature parameters obtained from wired or wireless communicationwith a remote water flow sensor and temperature sensor located on or inclose proximity to a water supply line, said tracked rotational inputmotion communicated with the microprocessor/microcontroller andelectronic circuitry system being further configured to be present oneor more options; wherein, said options include an arrangement ofselectable menu items displayed on said electronic display, said trackedrotational input motion of the user causing different ones of theselectable menu items to become visually highlighted as said rotatableuser interface component is rotated either clockwise orcounter-clockwise; and wherein said rotatable user-interface componentis further configured to be inwardly pressable in a manner that isdetectable by the microprocessor/microcontroller and electroniccircuitry system, and wherein the inward pressing of said rotatableuser-interface component is designed to be interpreted by themicroprocessor/microcontroller and electronic circuitry as confirmationof an user selection of one of said selectable menu items while thatselectable menu item is visually highlighted.
 2. The remote waterparameter display, monitor and/or control apparatus claim 1, wherein anegative-reinforcement icon is displayed on said electronic display whena setpoint value as identified by said microprocessor/microcontrollerand electronic circuitry system is determined to be associated withreduced water conservation setting.
 3. The remote water parameterdisplay, monitor and/or control apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidpositive-reinforcement icon is a non-numerical indicator having avisually pleasing appearance, said display of saidpositive-reinforcement icon at least partially rewarding the user forrotating said rotatable user interface member to a positioncorresponding to improved water use savings, whereby water conservationis encouraged.
 4. The remote water parameter display, monitor and/orcontrol apparatus of claim 1, wherein a positive-reinforcement icon isdisplayed on said electronic display when a setpoint value as identifiedby said microprocessor/microcontroller and electronic circuitry systemis determined to be associated with improved water conservation.
 5. Theremote water parameter display, monitor and/or control apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein information representative of said setpoint valuecomprises a graphical setpoint icon that can be displayed along aperiphery of the electronic display at a location that is spatiallyrepresentative of said setpoint value.
 6. The remote water parameterdisplay, monitor and/or control apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidelectronic display is substantially circular in shape, and wherein saidrotatable user-interface component comprises a mechanically rotatablering that substantially surrounds said electronic display.
 7. The remotewater parameter display, monitor and/or control apparatus of claim 1,wherein said housing has a back portion that is adaptable to affix oradhere to various surfaces.
 8. The remote water parameter display,monitor and/or control apparatus of claim 7, wherein the varioussurfaces is selected from a group consisting of a glass surface, a wallsurface, a mirror surface, wood beam, a metal surface, a plasticsurface, a ceramic surface, a tile surface, a panel surface, a wallpaper surface, or any combinations thereof.
 9. A remote water parameterdisplay, monitor and/or control apparatus comprising: a housing having atouch-screen electronic display disposed thereon; said touch-screenelectronic display having one or more soft buttons; amicroprocessor/microcontroller and electronic circuitry system disposedwithin the housing and electrically coupled to the electronic display,the remote display, monitor and/or control apparatus being configured toexhibit and monitor water, temperature and timing parameters, said waterand temperature parameters obtained from wired or wireless communicationwith a remote water flow sensor and temperature sensor located on or inclose proximity to a water supply line, said soft button input selectioncommunicated with the microprocessor/microcontroller and electroniccircuitry system being further configured to be present one or moreoptions; wherein, said options include an arrangement of selectable menuitems displayed on said electronic display, said soft button inputselection of the user causing different ones of the selectable menuitems to become visually highlighted; and wherein said soft buttons maydirect the user to one or more sub-menus, when some specific softbuttons in any menu or sub-menu are selected is interpreted by themicroprocessor/microcontroller and electronic circuitry as confirmationof an user selection of one of said selectable menu items while thatselectable menu item is visually highlighted.
 10. The remote waterparameter display, monitor and/or control apparatus claim 9, wherein anegative-reinforcement icon is displayed on said electronic display whena setpoint value as identified by said microprocessor/microcontrollerand electronic circuitry system is determined to be associated withreduced water conservation setting.
 11. The remote water parameterdisplay, monitor and/or control apparatus of claim 9, wherein saidpositive-reinforcement icon is a non-numerical indicator having avisually pleasing appearance, said display of saidpositive-reinforcement icon at least partially rewarding the user forrotating said rotatable user interface member to a positioncorresponding to improved water use savings, whereby water conservationis encouraged.
 12. The remote water parameter display, monitor and/orcontrol apparatus of claim 9, wherein a positive-reinforcement icon isdisplayed on said electronic display when a setpoint value as identifiedby said microprocessor/microcontroller and electronic circuitry systemis determined to be associated with improved water conservation.
 13. Theremote water parameter display, monitor and/or control apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein information representative of said setpoint valuecomprises a graphical setpoint icon that can be displayed along aperiphery of the electronic display at a location that is spatiallyrepresentative of said setpoint value.
 14. The remote water parameterdisplay, monitor and/or control apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidelectronic display is substantially square, rectangle, circular inshape.
 15. The remote water parameter display, monitor and/or controlapparatus of claim 1, wherein said housing has a back portion that isadaptable to affix or adhere to various surfaces.
 16. The remote waterparameter display, monitor and/or control apparatus of claim 7, whereinthe various surfaces is selected from a group consisting of a glasssurface, a wall surface, a mirror surface, wood beam, a metal surface, aplastic surface, a ceramic surface, a tile surface, a panel surface, awall paper surface, or any combinations thereof.